Aerial Views Around Loch Lomond

Loch Tay

This guide features a collection of aerial photographs from around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. I’ll tell you a little more about the landmarks and locations featured for each one, with some stories about how I came to capture the images. We’ll cover the whole of the National Park, featuring some mountains, villages, lochs, forests, and famous and historical buildings.

I created this guide to provide a different view of many fantastic locations in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs; I hope you enjoy it. If you have any suggestions for places we can add to the collection, let me know in the comments.

Killin

Killin and Loch Tay

We start at the top picture of Loch Tay and its western end by Killin. The loch stretches for 15 miles and is one of Scotland’s deepest.

In the picture above, you can see Loch Tay and the pretty village of Killin, famed for its spectacular Falls of Dochart. These photographs were captured for a promotional video I made for a local mountain guide.

The Dukes Pass

The Dukes Pass, in the Trossachs

The Duke’s Pass, a winding road through the Trossachs, is one of Scotland’s most celebrated routes, renowned for its breathtaking views of lochs, forests, and rugged hills. This iconic drive, connecting Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine, has a fascinating history rooted in developing tourism and infrastructure in the 19th century.

The picture shows the scenic drive winding through the heart of the Trossachs, built in the 1820s as part of the growing network of roads across the Highlands. Commissioned by the Duke of Montrose, the road was intended to improve access to the Trossachs region, which was gaining popularity thanks to the works of Sir Walter Scott. His novels, particularly The Lady of the Lake, had romanticised the area, drawing visitors eager to experience the landscapes he described so vividly.

In the 1950s, the Automobile Association (AA) declared the Duke’s Pass one of the UK’s most scenic drives. Loch Achray, Loch Katrine, and Ben A’an are featured in this picture. I took this picture one morning on the way to Loch Katrine, where I work with the attraction on marketing.

Milarrochy Bay

Milarrochy Bay

This pretty bay just beyond Balmaha fills up on hot weekends, and then I can have it to myself at other times. I took this drone picture relatively low when the Loch Lomond water level was very high, and there wasn’t any beach.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott

Steamship Sir Walter Scott

This drone picture has been extensively used to market Steamship Sir Walter Scott in recent years. The iconic steamer, which has sailed since 1900, is passing Brenachoile Point, a distinctive headland featured in an Outlander episode.

Breanachoile Point

Brenachoile Point

I flew my drone to get this picture while the Osprey boat was moored close to Brenachoile Point on Loch Katrine. The smaller Osprey boat can be chartered for small, private guided tours on the loch. I was accompanying a family to photograph them enjoying the experience, which I can highly recommend.

Buchanan Castle

Buchanan Castle

Buchanan Castle, located near Drymen, was a striking example of Scottish baronial architecture with a fascinating history. Built in 1852 by the Duke of Montrose, this grand mansion replaced the original Buchanan Auld House, which had been destroyed by fire. Over the years, Buchanan Castle has symbolised the Montrose family’s influence in the region and is a notable landmark near Drymen.

In 1855, Buchanan Castle welcomed Queen Victoria during one of her visits to Scotland. At the time, the castle was a centre of social and political life in the area, hosting lavish events and important guests.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Buchanan Castle's fate. After World War I, maintaining large estates like Buchanan became increasingly challenging due to rising costs and economic shifts. To reduce tax liabilities, the Duke of Montrose removed the castle's roof in 1954, a common practice at the time, as roofless buildings were exempt from certain property taxes. While financially pragmatic, this decision exposed the castle to the elements, accelerating its deterioration.

During World War II, Buchanan Castle served as a military hospital, caring for injured soldiers, including Rudolf Hess, one of Adolf Hitler’s deputies, who was briefly held there after his capture in 1941. However, its utility diminished after the war, and the estate was gradually abandoned.

Drymen Square

Drymen Square

I took this drone picture for The Winnock Hotel to show its position on Drymen Square and the close proximity to Loch Lomond.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Drymen was an important stop for cattle drovers. These drovers brought their herds from the Highlands to markets in the Lowlands, using Drymen as a gathering point along the way. The village and its square was home to a thriving cattle market, where livestock were traded before being driven further south. The presence of the drovers brought economic prosperity and bustling activity to Drymen, shaping its role as a key crossroads in Scotland’s rural economy.

Trossachs Church

Trossachs Church

This charming church offers a peaceful retreat. Its quaint architecture and tranquil setting make it a delightful stop for visitors. As the picture shows, it is by the water, the northern shore of Loch Achray near Brig o’ Turk, and behind it you can see the distinctive conical shape of the peak of Ben A’an.

The church is a notable example of early Gothic architecture in the region. Designed by Glasgow architect G. P. Kennedy, the church was completed in 1849. Local benefactors funded its construction to provide a place of worship for the increasing number of tourists visiting the Trossachs and the local community, who previously had to travel to Callander for services. 

The church’s design is characterised by its simplicity and use of local materials, which allow it to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The rectangular plan features a three-bay nave with large rectangular angle buttresses and lancet windows. A notable feature is the large three-lancet stained-glass window on the eastern gable, installed in 1893 by A. Ballantine & Gardiner, depicting the parable of the Good Samaritan.   

Arrochar

Arrochar and Tarbet

Two pictures for two nearby locations. A gateway to the Arrochar Alps, Arrochar (pictured above) is a village on Loch Long’s shores and is a haven for hikers and climbers. Tarbet, a short distance away, is by Loch Lomond and ideal for those wanting to explore the northern end of the loch.

Arrochar and Tarbet have a strategic location, separated by just over a mile of land, and have been pivotal in connecting the western sea lochs with the vast expanse of Scotland’s largest freshwater loch.

The land between Loch Long and Loch Lomond was vital to the Vikings during their raids in the 13th century. Seeking to exploit both lochs for their strategic advantages, the Norsemen hauled their longboats across the land between Arrochar and Tarbet, demonstrating the seafaring warriors' determination and resourcefulness. This portage, known as the Tarbet, allowed them to bypass the treacherous Clyde Estuary and launch raids deep into the heart of Scotland via Loch Lomond’s waters.

The effort required to drag heavy longboats over rough terrain highlights the significance of this route. Even today, the proximity of the two lochs at Arrochar and Tarbet reminds us of its importance as a natural corridor linking the west coast with the central Highlands.

Centuries later, the villages became central to the Victorian Grand Tour, a travel phenomenon popularised by the advent of steamships and the entrepreneurial spirit of Thomas Cook. Beginning in the mid-19th century, the Grand Tour offered travellers a chance to experience the dramatic landscapes of Scotland in a way that was both accessible and luxurious.

Starting on Loch Lomond, passengers could board steamships and sail north to Tarbet, where they would disembark and journey across the short stretch of land to Arrochar. From there, they would continue their tour by boat along Loch Long, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. This seamless connection between lochs allowed visitors to easily traverse Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, marking a new era of leisure travel.

Below, you can see a picture created with and for the boat operator, Cruise Loch Lomond, showing their fleet of boats sailing together close to Tarbet.

Cruise Loch Lomond, Tarbet

Ross Priory

Ross Priory

On the southern shores of Loch Lomond, Ross Priory is a stunning Gothic-style building surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Built in 1812, the priory was designed by architect James Gillespie Graham for the Buchanan family, who owned the estate for generations.

During the early 19th century, Sir Walter Scott was a frequent visitor to Ross Priory, drawn by the idyllic setting and the friendship of the Buchanan family. The estate’s picturesque location and tranquil atmosphere inspired Scott’s writing. It is widely believed that Ross Priory and its surrounding landscapes provided the backdrop for several scenes in Scott’s works, including Rob Roy and The Lady of the Lake.

Now owned by the University of Strathclyde, the house serves as a venue for events, education, and leisure, offering guests a chance to experience the landscapes that inspired one of Scotland’s greatest writers.

I was commissioned to take this picture and frame it as a gift for someone with a deep personal and professional connection to this magnificent building and its grounds.

Glen Ogle Viaduct

Glen Ogle Viaduct

The Glen Ogle Viaduct, an iconic feature of the Scottish landscape, was part of a once-thriving railway line that linked the rural communities of Perthshire and Stirlingshire to the wider world. Its history is one of innovation, decline, and reinvention, reflecting Scotland’s changing transport needs over the centuries.

The Callander and Oban Railway opened Glen Ogle Viaduct in 1870 as part of its route to connect Callander with Oban, improving trade and travel across Scotland. The railway line was engineered to navigate the challenging Highland terrain, with the viaduct serving as a vital piece of infrastructure. The viaduct itself, a 12-arch stone structure, became an engineering marvel of its time, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The railway supported the local economy, transporting goods like timber and agricultural products while boosting tourism in the Highlands.

In 1965, as railways declined in favour of road transport, the Glen Ogle section of the line closed, a casualty of the infamous “Beeching Cuts.” The viaduct and surrounding route were left unused for decades.

In 1995, the abandoned railway line became part of the National Cycle Network, a Sustrans-led project to create safe, scenic routes for cyclists and walkers. Glen Ogle became a key feature of National Cycle Route 7 (NCN7), which runs from Inverness to Glasgow. The conversion preserved the viaduct and repurposed the railway track into a smooth, accessible path, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Glen Ogle and its surroundings.

This drone picture was captured to accompany a feature on this website about the NCN7 route that goes through the National Park. I love cycling this route and am so grateful that this old railway line has been repurposed into an incredible walking and cycling route.

Gartmore House

Gartmore House, Trossachs

Gartmore House is a grand 18th-century estate offering creative retreats. Built in 1793 for the Graham family, it was originally a private estate.

In the early 20th century, Gartmore House became a hub for progressive political thought. The estate was acquired by Sir Charles and Lady Marjoribanks, known for their philanthropy and commitment to social change. Lady Marjoribanks was a staunch advocate for workers’ rights and women’s suffrage, hosting meetings that brought together prominent thinkers and activists of the time.

Later, Gartmore House was used as a residential education centre, where trade unionists, political leaders, and activists gathered to discuss issues of inequality, labour reform, and social justice. This legacy secured its place as a key location in the Labour Party’s development, nurturing ideas that shaped modern British socialism.

The estate’s role in Scottish politics deepened in the mid-20th century when it became linked to the growing movement for Scottish independence. Its location in the Trossachs, an area rich in Scottish heritage, made it an ideal venue for discussions about Scotland’s cultural and political future. Members of the SNP utilised Gartmore House for events and meetings that strengthened the party’s mission to achieve self-governance for Scotland.

I took this picture whilst photographing a small wedding in its grounds.

Inchcailloch Island

Inchcailloch Island

Accessible by boat, Inchcailloch is a peaceful island on Loch Lomond with beautiful woodland walks, stunning viewpoints, and historic ruins, perfect for a tranquil day out.

This picture was taken when I set up this website and shows the small wooded island.

The name Inchcailloch, translates from Gaelic as “Isle of the Old Woman” or “Isle of the Cowled Woman.” This name is believed to honour Saint Kentigerna, an Irish missionary who came to Scotland in the 8th century to spread Christianity. The island holds a deep religious significance, and its history spans centuries, from early Christian worship to its current status as a protected natural reserve.

In the early Christian era, Inchcailloch became a sacred site associated with Saint Kentigerna. Tradition holds that she lived as a hermit on the island, dedicating her life to prayer and contemplation. A church was established in Inchcailloch in her honour during the medieval period, and it served as a parish church for the surrounding area.

The ruins of this church, dating back to the 13th century, can still be seen on the island, along with a historic graveyard where some of Clan MacGregor’s ancestors are buried.

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond

Standing at 974 meters (3,196 feet), Ben Lomond is the most southerly of Scotland’s Munros and a prominent feature overlooking Loch Lomond. The mountain’s name derives from the Scottish Gaelic “Beinn Laomainn,” meaning “beacon mountain,” suggesting its historical use as a site for warning beacons. 

Historically, Ben Lomond and its surrounding lands were owned by local clans, notably the Clan Buchanan and Clan MacGregor. In the 19th century, the area became part of the Ardvorlich Estate. In 1995, the Lassodie Trust gifted the Ben Lomond estate to the National Trust for Scotland, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public. 

This picture shows the Ben in the distance with Loch Lomond and some its islands in the foreground.

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The Maid of the Loch

The Maid of the Loch

The Maid of the Loch is a cherished symbol of Scotland’s maritime and tourism heritage. Launched in 1953, this elegant paddle steamer was the last to be built in the United Kingdom.

One of her most notable moments was when Queen Elizabeth II sailed on her early in her history, adding royal prestige to the vessel’s reputation. For decades, the Maid of the Loch was vital in promoting tourism, offering visitors breathtaking views of Scotland’s largest loch and the surrounding landscapes. She was key to the Loch Lomond experience, connecting communities and showcasing the area’s natural beauty.

After her retirement in 1981, the Maid of the Loch fell into disrepair, but efforts to restore her began in the late 1990s. Today, she is owned by the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, a charity dedicated to preserving her heritage. Plans are underway to restore her as a working paddle steamer, returning her to operational service on Loch Lomond.

This picture shows her on the slipway close to her berth at Balloch Pier, I captured this drone photograph while filming her for a crowd-funding appeal to raise funds for replacement paddles.

Rob Roy Viewpoint at Inversnaid

The Rob Roy Viewpoint near Inversnaid offers visitors a glimpse into the landscapes once traversed by the famed Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. This vantage point provides panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs, areas closely associated with Rob Roy’s life and exploits.

Born in 1671 at Glengyle on Loch Katrine, just a few miles from Inversnaid, Rob Roy became a notable figure in the early 18th century. Initially a respected cattleman, he faced financial difficulties leading to a fallout with his creditor, the Duke of Montrose. This dispute resulted in losing his lands and his subsequent branding as an outlaw. In retaliation, Rob Roy conducted raids against Montrose, seizing cattle and rents. 

Carrick Castle

Perched on the shores of Loch Goil, Carrick Castle is a striking 15th-century fortress. Its dramatic setting makes it a picturesque highlight for visitors exploring the area.

The castle was likely constructed in the late 14th century by the Campbells of Loch Awe, a prominent clan in the region. Serving as a vital staging post for journeys between the River Clyde and Loch Fyne, it underscored the Campbells’ expanding influence. 

Carrick Castle boasts notable royal associations. King James IV is known to have used it as a hunting lodge, and Mary, Queen of Scots, visited the castle in 1563, highlighting its significance during that era. 

In 1685, the castle faced significant conflict during Argyll’s Rising—a rebellion against King James VII led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. A government frigate, HMS Kingfisher, bombarded Carrick Castle, causing extensive damage and rendering it strategically unusable for the Campbell forces. 

Following the 1685 bombardment, the castle saw intermittent use before eventually falling into ruin. It has come under private ownership in recent years, with ongoing restoration efforts to preserve its historical architecture. 

The village of Carrick Castle developed around the historic structure. In 1877, a wooden pier was constructed, and a three-story tenement building named Hillside Place was built to accommodate visiting tourists. This development began the village’s transformation into a modest yet charming settlement. 

I love visiting Carrick Castle and am often fortunate with the weather, I had a great day to fly my drone around this amazing location by the mouth of Loch Goil.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.